Rayo Vallecano vs Atletico Madrid: Lookman's substitution ineffective as Super Eagles star loses second consecutive LALIGA match

Ademola Lookman came off the bench in the second half, but could not help Atlético Madrid avoid defeat, as Rayo Vallecano delivered one of the season’s most stunning results; a 3–0 home victory over Atlético Madrid at the Estadio de Vallecas.

As Pulse Sports reported, Lookman did not start, as Simeone made wholesale changes to the side that trounced Barcelona on Thursday. The Nigerian came off the bench midway through the second-half among a host of high-profile changes, including the introduction of Julian Alvarez. However, the substitutions did not change Atleti's fortune.

Rayo dominated the first half but didn’t break the deadlock until the 40th minute when Fran Perez finished from close range.

Just before half-time, in the 45th minute, Rayo doubled their advantage. Óscar Valentín fired into the bottom right corner to beat Jan Oblak to make it 2–0 at the break, punishing the visitor’s complacency. 

Simeone brought on the big guns in and around the hour mark, including Lookman and Alvarez. While Rojiblancos saw marked improvement from their substitutes, it was the hosts who scored the next goal.

The decisive third goal arrived in the 76th minute when ex-Chelsea star Nobel Mendy headed home from close range following a corner, putting the game beyond doubt and sending the crowd into wild celebration.

The defeat put Atleti further adrift in the LALIGA title race, while Rayo Vallecano lifted themselves off the relegation places.